FAE1 — Brassica napus

Summary

BnFAE1 (FAE1) on chromosome A08 of oilseed rape encodes a 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase, a member of the FAE1-type polyketide synthase family with acyltransferase activity and protein homodimerization activity. The gene is associated with very-long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis, elongation, and metabolism, as well as the Kennedy pathway, glycerolipid and wax anabolism, and lipogenesis. It has been connected to seed oil content and composition, including oleic, linoleic, and eicosenoic acid levels, seed weight, size, coat color, and grain yield per plant. Additional associations include plant height, branch angle, pollen fertility, protein content, and trichome development. The encoded protein localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and membrane. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to erucic acid content, very-long-chain fatty acid accumulation, and drought tolerance.